In-Person Chicago Caucus - November 9th, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:30pm

OVERVIEW

Purpose of Caucus

We know that we’re surrounded by unfair, unjust, and biased messages about different racial groups. These messages are everywhere—in media, schools, and everyday life—and it’s really hard not to take them in, when they’re about our own racial group or someone else’s.

If we want to build institutions where just practices and culture are a reality, we have to understand how these messages affect us. That means looking at racism, its values, and ways of thinking about others showing up in our thoughts, actions, and relationships with people from different racial backgrounds. One way to do this work is through Race-Based Caucusing.

Race-Based Caucusing is a practice where people talk in groups based on their racial identity. It helps people explore how racism has shaped their experiences and how they might have taken in harmful ideas—like believing their group is less than or better than others. The goal of the practice is to notice these patterns and learn how to stop them.

Outcomes

• Deepen your understanding of race and how it’s used in society
  • Understand how race is not just about skin color—it’s also used as a tool in politics and power.
• Explore your identity and how racism affects different people
  • Think about who you are and how your race, gender, class, and other parts of your identity shape your experience. Learn how racism shows up differently for White People and People of Color.
• Practice ways to notice and interrupt the ways internalized racism manifests
  • Build skills to recognize when internalized, unjust ideas about race show up in your thoughts or actions—and learn how to interrupt them in everyday life.

ACCESSING THE WORKSHOP

Please note that this is a single caucusing session; multiple dates are listed in our Ticket Tailor Box Office for your convenience.

Location

IFF, 333 S. Wabash, Suite 2800, Chicago, IL 60604

Time: 6:00pm-8:30pm CT (light refreshments will be offered at 6:00pm, with the caucus practice itself beginning at 6:30pm)

Cost: There is no cost to register; however, we hope that all participants will acknowledge the labor contributed by Crossroads to make this offering. We strong encourage all participants to consider making a donation based upon the value that caucus brings to their life and work.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE REGISTERING

Light fare will be provided by Crossroads - participants are also welcome to bring their own food if they need to eat dinner during the session. Participants will not be granted access into the caucus after the Community Agreement is agreed upon, which is generally concluded in the first 20 minutes (around 6:50pm CT).

All participants are expected to attend the complete caucus from beginning to end, and going "in and out" of the workshop space is not permitted. 

Please carefully read the complete session and cancellation policies that are include at the bottom of the registration form as well the confirmation email.

If you have concerns about your ability to participate or any accommodation needs, please contact us at registration@crossroadsantiracism.org.

Kindly mark or add the date on your calendar